Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta told IANS that the government will soon issue 'guidelines on home quarantine' to tackle looming the swine flu spread.

'We will be issuing guidelines on home quarantine...just like malaria and other communicable diseases are tackled for the swine flu, we are advising that those with flu symptoms should not take prophylactis (preventive medicines) without consulting doctors. In addition, we suggest that those whose relatives are showing any symptoms of the flu should wear three-layer masks at home as well,' Mehta explained.

He added: 'The government is not advising that schools be shut down at all. They (schools) have been advised to discuss with the directorate of education that has a set of guidelines ready.'

With swine flu infecting more and more people, schools in Delhi are doing all they can to contain the spread of the virus among students. Schools like south Delhi's Sanskriti School have closed for the week till Aug 17, others are sending back students with the slightest symptoms.

Mehta also said if the present centres prove to be ineffective, 'the government would prepare a list of more state-run centres, but private hospitals are not being considered so far.'